Entry-Level Actuary Salary in Clearwater, FL: $64,167 (2026)
Quick Answer:New actuaries entering the Clearwater, FL job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $64,167 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 15-2011, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Clearwater's local price level (BEA RPP 100.8 — 1% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $63,658 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($110,631) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Clearwater, FL, the starting compensation for an entry-level actuary is projected to be around $64,167 in 2026. This amount falls significantly below the median annual salary of $110,631 for actuaries in the region, highlighting a noticeable gap between early-career pay and experienced levels. New graduates can anticipate a gradual increase in earnings, with growth typically leading from the P10 salary of $64,167 through to the P25 marker of $79,655 within the first few years. Clearwater presents a favorable environment for budding actuaries, especially considering the competitive demand for actuarial talent and the potential for salary increases as professionals advance in their careers and gain relevant experience.
About the Clearwater Market
Salary estimated from Florida average ($118,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Clearwater
New Graduate
Early Career
Mid Career
Experienced
Salary progression estimated from BLS percentile data. Actual progression varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Clearwater
Entry-level actuarys in Clearwater, FL typically start between $64,167 and $79,655 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $107,312 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $110,631 — 17.54% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average actuarial science program cost in Florida of $42,000 represents just 65.45% of the starting actuary pay ($64,167/year) in Clearwater. Most graduates begin earning back their investment from day one, though actual ROI varies based on living expenses, loan interest, and the 2-year opportunity cost of schooling.
Program cost estimates cover bachelor's degree tuition at public and private universities, plus estimated actuarial exam fees and study materials. Employers often cover exam costs once employed.
ASA, FSA Salary Negotiation Tips for New Graduates in Clearwater
- 1Research the Clearwater market: entry-level actuary pay ranges from $64,167 to $79,655, so aim for at least the 25th percentile if you have strong credentials.
- 2Highlight any additional certifications or specialty training within the actuarial science field — employers in FL often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Clearwater, benefits like health insurance, continuing-education allowances, and schedule flexibility can add 20-30% to your effective compensation.
- 4Consider starting with a larger hospital system or multi-site employer in Clearwater for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Clearwater's moderate cost of living means your starting salary goes further here compared to many larger metro areas.
Actuary Compensation Range
The actuary wage spread in Clearwater is $107,312 ( 167.24%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $64,167, experienced hygienists can earn up to $171,479.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$51,327
2025 BLS Actual
$62,177
2026 Current Est.
$64,167
2019–2027 Growth
+29.0%
Salary Trajectory for Actuaries in Clearwater (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.20% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $51,327 | Actual |
| 2020 | $52,253 | Actual |
| 2021 | $50,061 | Actual |
| 2022 | $56,788 | Actual |
| 2023 | $59,653 | Actual |
| 2024 | $70,143 | Actual |
| 2025 | $62,177 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $64,167 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $66,220 | Projected |
Entry-level actuary compensation (10th percentile) in Clearwater, FL grew 21.1% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $51,327 in 2019 to $62,177 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $66,220. New graduates entering the Clearwater job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Clearwater metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 3.20% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Starting Your actuarial science Career in Clearwater
Those able to secure a position as an actuary in Clearwater can find opportunities with prominent employers such as large life insurers like Prudential and MetLife, which often recruit entry-level talent through structured programs that emphasize exam preparation. Health insurers also routinely seek out new candidates, while consulting firms like Milliman and Mercer may offer slightly elevated starting salaries for those who have achieved ASA credentials. Educational background plays a vital role in salary growth; candidates should consider degrees in mathematics, statistics, or actuarial science, along with completing actuarial exams and VEE credits to bolster their qualifications. During the first few years in the field, progression through exams remains critical in determining pay, with each passed exam typically boosting salaries by $3,000 to $8,000. Understanding the local market nuances and developing skills in areas such as predictive analytics can further enhance one's earning potential in the Clearwater area.
More salary data for Clearwater, FL:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Written by Maria Chen, FSA, MAAA
Career Analyst
Maria has 10 years of experience in life insurance. She specializes in risk assessment and pricing strategies.
Methodology & Data Source
Entry-level salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The 10th percentile (entry-level) is used as the starting salary benchmark for new actuarial science graduates. A 3.20% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 entry-level compensation in Clearwater. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Clearwater is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 3.20%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for actuarys (SOC 15-2011).
Compiled and verified by Maria Chen, FSA, MAAA, a licensed actuary with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov